"The Street Painting Festival and its committee work in partnership with the City of Lake Worth, the Community Redevelopment Agency and the LULA Arts District, creating an event that today serves as an inspiration and model for similar events throughout the United States and abroad." – Street Painting Festival 501(c)(3)

With over 600 artists, main stage music, food court and beverage tents, the award-winning 2 day event is the largest free festival of its kind. It also sets the perfect example of nonprofit organization success. Art enthusiasts from around the world gathered as artists transformed downtown Lake Worth into a pop-up art gallery. The Street Painting Festival springs asphalt to life with traditional, 3D and textured creations. Downtown Lake Worth is brightened by 280 chalk drawings between Federal Highway and H Street and between First Avenue South and Second Avenue North.

The first Street Painting Festival was organized in 1995 by a group of Lake Worth residents, led by Erin Allen and Maryanne Webber. Over 20 years later, Webber remains a dedicated volunteer chairperson and artist coordinator on the Street Painting Festival committee. Each year the Street Painting Festival partners with another charity to give back to the community. In 2017, the Street Painting Festival partners with Wheels for Kids 501(c)(3), providing custom wheel chairs for children with special needs who can neither purchase them nor qualify for public or charitable funding.

The popular event creates a positive presence in the community, while raising funds that support socially responsible causes. The free festival is supported by the nonprofit and attracts more attendees every year. The method of partnering with a new nonprofit each year is an exceptional way of optimizing the event publicity. By supporting positive ventures like Wheels for Kids, the Street Painting Festival 501(c)(3) is exposed to a greater audience and empowered to accomplish more in the community.

Do you currently network with a group of artists or volunteer for a nonprofit organization in your community? Consider organizing a Street Painting Festival or other creative event in your hometown! This is a great way to unite communities and benefit worthy causes.

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About the Author: Staff Writer for GrantWatch.com and Affiliate Sites.